Boating and Sailing Near Simpson Bay

Sail in yourself or charter a boat when you arrive to see Simpson Bay from the sea

As an official port of entry, Simpson Bay is a great destination for international sailors, but the opportunity to charter local boats and even sign up for a sailing tour hosted by an islander are other great ways to explore the area from a different view point.

Boat Trips and Day Sailing

Sailing tours and excursions are a great way to see Simpson Bay and the island of St. Maarten. When you sign up for one, it will typically include drinks and snacks, plus a knowledgeable tour guide and captain who will take you along the coast for several hours. Some tours even include extras like stops for snorkeling and beach pit barbecues.

If you just want to enjoy a few hours on the open water, without the stress and cost of sailing on your own you can take an excursion. See the table that follows to find contact information for area excursion services.

Boat Rentals and Charters

With nearly a dozen charter companies located in and around the Simpson Bay area, you won't have to work very hard to find a boat to captain when you're visiting. If you've got the skills, this is a great opportunity to get out and explore Simpson Bay in a unique way.

Starting to research chartering a vessel? The following table enables you to contact charter companies serving this area.

Docking

Construction seems to be a constant in Simpson Bay, so sailors are warned to always use caution and say in the marked channel. There is a bridge that blocks main access to the Simpson Bay Lagoon from this side of the island. It can accommodate vessels up to a maximum beam of 56 feet and a maximum draft of 17 feet. When closed, there is 8.6 feet of clearance in the port channel and eight feet clearance in the starboard channel. All others will have to await the opening of the bridge to sail in and out. This occurs at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. For outbound boats, and 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. For inbound boats between the months of December and April. From May through November, these times are 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. for both inbound and outbound boats. You can contact the bridge operator at VHF Channel 12. There is a speed limit of three miles per hour for all vessels.

To officially gain clearance to the island, you'll find the immigration department and clearance office located adjacent to the channel into Simpson Bay Lagoon. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the weekends.

Considering the option of traveling to Simpson Bay using your own boat, or one you charter? Check out the listing that follows for basic information for marinas in the area.

Marinas

Name

Phone

Location

Cupecoy Yacht Club

(721) 545-2315

Rhine Road -
Simpson Bay

Igy Portofino Marina

(721) 545-2500

46 Airport Road -
Simpson Bay

Igy Simpson Bay Marina

(721) 544-2309

Airport Road -
Simpson Bay

Isle Del Sol Marina

(721) 544-2408

Simpson Bay

Palapa Marina

(721) 545-2735

28 Airport Road -
Simpson Bay

Pelican Marina

--

Pelican Key

Port De Plaisance Yacht Club

(721) 544-2953

Princess Port de Plaisance -
Cole Bay

Simpson Bay Marina

(721) 544-2582

Simpson Bay

Simpson Bay Yacht Club Marina

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0.7 mi. (1.2 km) Southeast of Simpson Bay

Nearby Anchorages

Location

Latitude

Longitude

Simpson Bay -
Simpson Bay

18.0349846328

-63.1011128426

Simpson Bay Lagoon -
Cole Bay

18.0355763306

-63.0878090858

Baie Nettle -
Sandy Ground

18.0624250736

-63.1019496918

Baie de Marigot -
Marigot

18.0664384876

-63.0902552605

Baie Longue -
Las Terres Basses

18.055998886

-63.1410884857

The bridge may make sailing into Simpson Bay Lagoon a bit more of a hassle, but the possibility of staying in such a picturesque location with otherwise excellent sailing conditions is worth it to many. And if you do not find this desirable, there are other options available that should in no way prevent some time spend sailing during your Simpson Bay getaway.